{"id":1703,"date":"2013-05-03T04:29:03","date_gmt":"2013-05-03T04:29:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/?page_id=1703"},"modified":"2025-11-25T21:55:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T03:55:40","slug":"what-is-custom-photography","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/what-is-custom-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Custom Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the Custom Photography Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image1703_346c8f-5a.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image1703_346c8f-5a .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:538px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image1703_346c8f-5a.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image1703_346c8f-5a .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image1703_346c8f-5a figure{max-width:538px;}.kb-image1703_346c8f-5a .image-is-svg, .kb-image1703_346c8f-5a .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image1703_346c8f-5a .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1703_346c8f-5a\"><figure class=\"alignright size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"819\" src=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/summer-outdoor-photos-children-boston.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-2250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/summer-outdoor-photos-children-boston.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/summer-outdoor-photos-children-boston-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/summer-outdoor-photos-children-boston-768x614.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/summer-outdoor-photos-children-boston-600x480.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHY: WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s be honest about the term &#8220;custom photography&#8221; &#8211; it gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most professional photographers would tell you it&#8217;s far more than just taking pictures. Custom photography is about <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">crafting visual stories<\/span> that capture the essence of who you and your family are. It&#8217;s an <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">art form<\/span> where every visual element contributes to a unique storytelling experience. And here&#8217;s the important part: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">it&#8217;s a collaborative masterpiece between you and your photographer<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Actually Shapes Your Photography Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about it this way &#8211; your final images are shaped by a whole constellation of factors working together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your photographer brings their artistic vision to the table. That includes everything from the camera and lenses they choose to work with, to their editing style that makes their work recognizable. Their technical skills matter too &#8211; how comfortable are they working in ever-changing light conditions? How well do they know their equipment? These things show up in your final images whether you realize it or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But you&#8217;re not just a passive participant here. Your family&#8217;s personal style and personality play a huge role. The wardrobe choices you make, how comfortable everyone feels in those clothes &#8211; that all shows up in the photos. And the session environment? That&#8217;s everything from the emotional atmosphere in the moment (and yes, your photographer&#8217;s energy level absolutely matters) to the location itself. Are you outdoors in nature or in a studio? Are you hugging shady corners in bright midday sun in the city, or catching golden light on the beach? All of this shapes your final images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>So What Makes Custom Photography Different?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s where it gets real. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Custom photography offers you personalized, one-on-one attention.<\/span> No assembly-line studio feel where you&#8217;re rushed through with fifteen other families waiting. You get carefully curated galleries of fully edited, retouched images that reflect your photographer&#8217;s overall style and aesthetic &#8211; not just whatever came out of the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the service level? Think about the difference between staying at a boutique hotel versus staying at a Motel 6. Or buying a Lexus versus a base KIA. Or even the difference between shopping at Saks (or Nordstrom) versus the experiences you get at Walmart. Neither is inherently wrong &#8211; often amusing but not wrong &#8211; they&#8217;re just fundamentally different experiences serving different needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Finding YOUR Photographer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your journey starts with understanding your family&#8217;s personality and your own aesthetic. If your family loves the outdoors and thrives near trees and water, you&#8217;d be well-suited to find a photographer who either displays plenty of nature-y portraits on their site or can easily show you examples of their work in those environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you&#8217;re looking at a photographer&#8217;s portfolio, ask yourself: Do these photographs feel authentic? Do these images seem to capture genuine moments and real connection?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And don&#8217;t be shy about interviewing your potential photographer. Ask them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Did you actually take these images? (It might surprise you how many photographers misrepresent themselves by using other photographers&#8217; work.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are these images representative of what you normally give clients?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are these from recent sessions?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can you show me a full gallery from a recent shoot?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What&#8217;s your approach to capturing family dynamics?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-border-color has-theme-palette-2-border-color has-theme-palette-4-color has-theme-palette-8-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-3b78e96d26ebd729e9d8a20a69126c2d\" style=\"font-size:24px\">&#8211;> <strong>Consider reading our  article with printable pdf @ link:  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/client-faq-section\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Questions to Ask Your Photographer<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Custom photography is ultimately about choice and experience<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 your goal is to find a photographer who understands this and can beautifully capture your family&#8217;s unique story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Achieving these goals while crafting professional quality images that stand the test of time? That&#8217;s the hallmark of a solid professional photographer. THAT is custom professional photography.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\">Potential Photographer For Hire &#8211; Portfolio Review Checklist <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-theme-palette-4-color has-theme-palette-7-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ca9778511c49b26806584787edab1657\" style=\"font-size:16px;text-transform:uppercase\"><br><em>So you&#8217;ve found a few photographers whose work you like\u2026NOW WHAT? Here&#8217;s your action plan for vetting them:<\/em><br><br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Ask yourself<\/span>: <\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Do these photographs feel authentic?  <\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Do these images seem to capture genuine moments &amp; connection?<\/strong><br><br><em>consider interviewing WITH THESE Q&#8217;S<\/em><br><br><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">ask them:<\/span><\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Did you take these images? <\/strong>(it might surprise you the number of photographers that misrepresent themselves by using other photographers&#8217; works.)<strong> <\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Are these images representative of the type of work you normally present to your clients<\/strong>? <br>&#8211; <strong>Are these images from recent sessions?<\/strong> may not be an automatic rule out if they are not <br>&#8211; <strong>Can you show me a full gallery from a recent shoot? <\/strong><br>&#8211;<strong>What&#8217;s your approach to capturing family dynamics?<\/strong> list any specific concerns here<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At its core: commissioning and creating alongside a custom photographer is about more than beautiful images &#8211; it&#8217;s about creating a personalized experience catering to your family&#8217;s individuality while celebrating your connection to one another and telling your family&#8217;s story exactly as it deserves to be told.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table alignleft\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">PROFESSIONAL CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL PROVIDE<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Attention<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Personalized, 1:1 focus without studio assembly-line feeling<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Image Quality<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Carefully curated galleries of fully edited, retouched images reflective of the photographer&#8217;s overall style and aesthetic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Service Level<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Boutique experience (think about buying a Lexus vs. buying a Hyundai; shopping at Saks or Nordstrom vs. the experience you get when shopping at Walmart)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Achieving these goals while crafting professional quality images that stand the test of time is the hallmark of a solid professional photographer. THAT is Custom Photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"676\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Professional-Mother-Child-Photography.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1910\" style=\"width:296px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Professional-Mother-Child-Photography.jpg 676w, https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Professional-Mother-Child-Photography-198x300.jpg 198w, https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Professional-Mother-Child-Photography-600x909.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Capturing authentic emotion &amp; natural expression is the goal for every custom professional photographer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-theme-palette-4-color has-theme-palette-7-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-269a610202fc9b92fa2c576b88a3b13c is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-41b3a003 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><style>.kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:413px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50 figure{max-width:413px;}.kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50 .image-is-svg, .kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image1703_6e8fcb-50\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"504\" height=\"180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-ProfessionalChildPhotographerWideMint.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-ProfessionalChildPhotographerWideMint.png 504w, https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cropped-ProfessionalChildPhotographerWideMint-300x107.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">For Families<\/span>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a photographer? Start here:<br><br>\u2022\u00a0<strong>YOU ARE HERE <\/strong>What is Custom Photography?<br><br>\u2022\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/what-is-custom-photography\/why-choose-custom-photography\/\">Why Choose Custom Photography?<\/a><br><br>\u2022\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/client-faq-section\/\">Questions to Ask Your Photographer<\/a> [there is a pdf download for you print up at this link]<br><br>\u2022\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/professional-photographer-evaluation-checklist\/\">Photographer Evaluation Checklist<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:4px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box1703_ac779b-4e .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{max-width:unset;}.kt-info-box1703_ac779b-4e 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0px;padding-top:4px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:4px;padding-left:8px;margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-info-box1703_ac779b-4e .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-right:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-bottom:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-left:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-info-box1703_ac779b-4e .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-right:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-bottom:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-left:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-infobox kt-info-box1703_ac779b-4e\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-top kt-info-halign-left\"><div 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0 25.364 20.635 46 46 46s46-20.636 46-46c0-25.365-20.635-46-46-46z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><h3 class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\">Did you find this article helpful?<\/h3><p class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-text\">\n        You&#8217;re welcome to use any portion of this site on your blog, website, or social media pages!\n        <br><br>\n        Please credit any excerpts you use on your site or blog by copying and pasting the following on your site or social media page (with appropriate links enabled):\n        <br><br>\n        &#8221; This article was written by Marianne Drenthe of Marmalade Photography \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marmaladephotography.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.marmaladephotography.com<\/a> \n        and can be found at the Professional Child Photography site at \n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.professionalchildphotographer.com<\/a> &#8221;\n      <\/p><\/div><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kt-info-box1703_dcd27f-83 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{max-width:unset;}.kt-info-box1703_dcd27f-83 .kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap{border-top:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-right:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-bottom:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-left:5px solid var(--global-palette7, #eeeeee);border-top-left-radius:30px;border-top-right-radius:30px;border-bottom-right-radius:30px;border-bottom-left-radius:30px;background:#ffffff;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kt-info-box1703_dcd27f-83 .kadence-info-box-icon-container .kt-info-svg-icon, .kt-info-box1703_dcd27f-83 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class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-link-wrap info-box-link kt-blocks-info-box-media-align-left kt-info-halign-left\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.professionalchildphotographer.com\/information\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/What-Is-Custom-Photography-_-Professional-Child-Photographer.pdf\" aria-label=\"What Is Custom Photography\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media-container\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-media kt-info-media-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-icon-container kt-info-icon-animate-none\"><div class=\"kadence-info-box-icon-inner-container\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fe_arrowRight kt-info-svg-icon\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"  fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><line x1=\"5\" y1=\"12\" x2=\"19\" y2=\"12\"\/><polyline points=\"12 5 19 12 12 19\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-infobox-textcontent\"><h3 class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-title\"><strong>This article has been updated in 2025<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"kt-blocks-info-box-text\">In response to evolving industry practices and discussions with fellow photographers this update aims to clarify and enhance PCP&#8217;s insights into the choices consumers face in the current market along with costs and value of custom photography. <br><br>PCP&#8217;s goal is and always has been to provide timeless and accurate information for families in choosing the right photographer to capture their cherished moments.<br><br>This article originally appeared on the legacy Professional Child Photographer website and you can find an archived PDF form of it here:  WHAT IS CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHY<\/p><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the Custom Photography Experience CUSTOM PHOTOGRAPHY: WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANS Let&#8217;s be honest about the term &#8220;custom photography&#8221; &#8211; it gets thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean? Most professional photographers would tell you it&#8217;s far more than just taking pictures. Custom photography is about crafting visual stories that capture the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1703","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is Custom Photography<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is custom photography and how is it different? 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